The MEST Training Program is an intensive 12-month, full-time, fully sponsored program in which the cohort – known as Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) – complete a graduate-level course in , with a focus on practical implementation.
The course culminates with an investor pitch, with the chance to receive seed funding and enter MEST’s portfolio for company incubation.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE PROGRAM
The Training program provides rigorous entrepreneurial training and extensive hands-on project work, designed to ensure EITs master industry-proven methodologies for developing world-class tech businesses.
- Industry Experts
Faculty members bring years of entrepreneurial and industry experience.
- Hands-on Projects
EITs build, validate & pitch business ideas in a fail-safe environment.
- Full Support
All EITs receive a full scholarship to attend the 1-year training.
- Guest Lectures
Supplementary lectures by experienced business executives.
Curriculum Sample
Software Development
- Core Programming Languages
- Scrum & Agile Development
- Web Development
- Mobile Development
- Software Engineering
- UI/UX
Business & Entrepreneurship
- Business Strategy
- Business Modelling
- Marketing
- Market Research
- Sales
- Finance
- Leadership
- Communications
- Lean Startup Methodology
- Pitching & Investor Requirements
- Market Research
- Product Development and Innovation
- Revenue and Business Modeling
- Branding and Communications
- Marketing and Growth Hacking
- Financial Management and Investments
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Metrics and Measurements
- Sales and Traction (achieving product/market fit)
- Building Sustainable Teams
- Preparing for investments
What we are looking for
Our goal at MEST is to create wealth and jobs across the continent. Our recruitment process, therefore, seeks to identify only the most ambitious and ethical people with a strong desire to build a scalable software company in Africa.
Key Characteristics We Consider:
Passion
A deep passion for starting a software company in Africa
Experience
Entrepreneurial or corporate work experience
Education
A degree from a top university or Technical College (or equivalent experience)
Soft Skills
Confident with great leadership qualities, ability to work well with others, and communicate effectively
Commitment to the Program
Successful applicants should be ready to commit to a full residential program for a whole year
TIMELINES
- Applications open – 12th December 2022
- Applications close – 26th February 2023
- Final Interviews – April & May 2023 in Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Nairobi and Johannesburg
- Training Program begins in August 2023 in Accra, Ghana
To apply: https://meltwater.org/mest-africa-training-program/#toggle-id-4